FOSAF FLY FISHING REPORTS
Monthly report on our waters
October was another good month for the AFFC waters as the regular rainfall has kept dam levels at 100%. The stable levels have contributed tremendously to the availability of food for the trout, and they have been feeding actively on the summer insect life and tadpoles.
GUBU DAM
A member recently had an exceptional evening casting a frog imitation amongst the weeds, with aggressive takes (and misses), and some trout even launching out of the water in an attempt to grab the fly. When the angler in question returned to the clubhouse later that evening, he was apparently shaking with excitement and adrenaline - a kid returning from the candy store!!
If conditions are good, an angler can expect to land a fair number of fish during a session. This is particularly true when targeting the numerous weed beds, as this seems to be where the majority of the food is at the moment. Smaller, sparsely tied flies in natural colours are working well, with a frog or baitfish imitation being gladly accepted by the hungry trout when fished appropriately.
All the AFFC waters are located at low altitudes which results in fish having seemingly endless energy. Only anglers that have visited our waters know how long and hard a 30cm rainbow can fight.
By all accounts, the populations of rainbow and brown trout are in a good state - fat and healthy - with one brown trout that was netted almost resembling a tuna!!
MNYAMENI & MADEN DAMS
Both of these smaller waters are hidden gems. Members and visitors are encouraged to fish these waters as the populations of trout are exposed to less angling pressure. In the near future, the club is planning to hold a small event at each dam to showcase what is on offer.
CATA VILLAGE & WOLF RIVER
The club is still hard at work on the project to clear and rehabilitate the Wolf River. The work so far is paying huge dividends in terms of the improved habitat for the trout, with the exploratory angling trips yielding much to be excited about. Once the club has reached an agreement with the community regarding fishing access, this is certainly going to be a river that must be added to your wish list.
LOCH LOCHIE
This fairly large water on the headwaters of the Klipplaat has some good trophy fish and is now actively managed by Kurt Anderson of the Glenara farm hatchery on the Hogsback and is also in the Klipplaat basin. This hatchery supplies the AFFC with rainbow fingerlings and apparently is now including browns in its stock.
Keep an eye on the Amatola Fly Fishing Club website (www.affc.co.za) and Facebook page (facebook.com/amatolaflyfishing) for further information.
The irresistible frog fly.
A fat October Gubu brown.
